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South America / South America

Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni salt flats and high-altitude La Paz. As part of South America in South America, Bolivia suits travelers drawn to nature and historic. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Bolivia

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: May – Oct

La Paz

La Paz is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Bolivia, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Uyuni

Uyuni pairs well with nearby highlights on a South America route through Bolivia.

Sucre

Sucre pairs well with nearby highlights on a South America route through Bolivia.

Lake Titicaca

Plan at least a full day in Lake Titicaca to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

What it is known for
facts
  • Salar de Uyuni mirror salt flats after rain
  • La Paz cable cars spanning the high-altitude bowl
  • Tiwanaku pre-Inca archaeological site on the Altiplano
  • Lake Titicaca Isla del Sol sacred Inca origin myths
  • Salteñas baked empanadas filled with stew
key City
name
La Paz
label
Capital
why
The world's highest administrative capital offers witch-market folklore, Mi Teleférico views, and flights to Uyuni and the Amazon lowlands.
Places to visit
  • area
    La Paz
    attractions
    • name
      Mi Teleférico
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Witches' Market
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      San Francisco Church
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Valley of the Moon
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Uyuni
    attractions
    • name
      Salar de Uyuni
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Isla Incahuasi
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Train Cemetery
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Eduardo Avaroa Reserve
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
  • area
    Sucre
    attractions
    • name
      Plaza 25 de Mayo
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      Casa de la Libertad
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Dinosaur Footprints at Cal Orck'o
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Metropolitan Cathedral
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
  • area
    Lake Titicaca
    attractions
    • name
      Isla del Sol
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Copacabana Basilica
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Tiwanaku
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Isla de la Luna
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Bolivia Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • La Paz
    • Uyuni
    • Sucre
    highlights
    • Full day discovering La Paz
    • Full day discovering Uyuni
    • Full day discovering Sucre
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in La Paz
      description
      Land in La Paz, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Bolivia trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Uyuni
      description
      Dedicate the day to Uyuni: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Sucre and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Sucre visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Bolivia
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • La Paz
    • Uyuni
    • Sucre
    • Lake Titicaca
    highlights
    • Cover La Paz and Uyuni
    • Explore Sucre
    • Explore Lake Titicaca
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in La Paz
      description
      Land in La Paz, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Bolivia trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Uyuni
      description
      Dedicate the day to Uyuni: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Sucre
      description
      Dedicate the day to Sucre: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Lake Titicaca and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Lake Titicaca visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Bolivia Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • La Paz
    • Uyuni
    • Sucre
    highlights
    • Coastal day in La Paz
    • Coastal day in Uyuni
    • Coastal day in Sucre
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in La Paz
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in La Paz.
    • day
      2
      title
      Uyuni coast
      description
      Spend the day on Uyuni's shoreline: Salar de Uyuni, Isla Incahuasi, Train Cemetery, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Sucre and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Sucre, visiting Plaza 25 de Mayo, Casa de la Libertad, Dinosaur Footprints at Cal Orck'o before you depart Bolivia.
  • title
    Bolivia Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • La Paz
    • Uyuni
    • Sucre
    • Lake Titicaca
    highlights
    • Rural stop: La Paz
    • Rural stop: Uyuni
    • Rural stop: Sucre
    • Rural stop: Lake Titicaca
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in La Paz
      description
      Reach La Paz, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Uyuni countryside
      description
      Explore Uyuni at an easy pace: Salar de Uyuni, Isla Incahuasi, Train Cemetery with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Sucre countryside
      description
      Explore Sucre at an easy pace: Plaza 25 de Mayo, Casa de la Libertad, Dinosaur Footprints at Cal Orck'o with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Lake Titicaca and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Lake Titicaca, stopping at Isla del Sol, Copacabana Basilica, Tiwanaku before heading home.
  • title
    Bolivia Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • La Paz
    • Sucre
    • Lake Titicaca
    highlights
    • Must-see: Mi Teleférico
    • Must-see: Witches' Market
    • Must-see: Plaza 25 de Mayo
    • Must-see: Casa de la Libertad
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of La Paz
      description
      Start in La Paz with Mi Teleférico, Witches' Market, San Francisco Church, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Sucre monuments
      description
      Focus on Sucre's tourist favorites: Plaza 25 de Mayo, Casa de la Libertad, Dinosaur Footprints at Cal Orck'o with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Lake Titicaca landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Lake Titicaca, including Isla del Sol, Copacabana Basilica, Tiwanaku, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
May through October is dry season across Bolivia, essential for Salar de Uyuni mirror reflections, La Paz highland touring, and Rurrenabaque pampas wildlife without impassable mud. Altiplano nights are cold year-round but skies stay clearest in winter.
typical Weather
La Paz May-Oct: highs 12-18°C (54-64°F), lows -2 to 4°C (28-39°F), 5-15 mm rain, intense sun. Uyuni salt flat similar. Amazon lowlands hotter at 28-32°C (82-90°F).
details
  • Jun-Aug peak for Uyuni; book 4x4 tours in advance.
  • Wet season Nov-Mar turns salt flats to shallow lake (also photogenic).
  • Carnival (Feb) in Oruro is spectacular but rainy.
  • Altitude affects all regions; acclimatize in La Paz first.
most Affordable
period
Nov – Mar
summary
Wet season brings Bolivia's lowest tour prices when Uyuni salt flat 4x4 trips and La Paz hotels discount despite muddy conditions. January and February see the deepest cuts before dry-season trekking demand returns.
details
  • Uyuni 4x4 tours discount 20-30% in wet season Nov-Mar.
  • La Paz hotels offer low-season promotions in rainy months.
  • Rurrenabaque pampas lodges cut rates when access is harder.
  • Domestic flights to Uyuni cheaper outside Jun-Aug peak.
most Expensive
period
Jun – Aug
summary
Dry-season winter peak fills Uyuni salt flat tours and La Paz hotels when international travelers compete for limited 4x4 capacity. July especially sees premium rates on multi-day Altiplano circuits.
details
  • Uyuni tour operators charge peak rates Jun-Aug with advance booking essential.
  • Salar mirror-season photography tours premium in dry winter.
  • La Paz boutique hotels fill at peak dry-season rates.
  • Lake Titicaca Copacabana hotels spike in Jul-Aug holidays.
Airports & arrivals
summary
La Paz and Santa Cruz are the main air gateways, with El Alto serving the capital region.
airports
  • name
    El Alto International Airport
    code
    LPB
    location
    El Alto, serving La Paz
    distance From Center
    On the altiplano above central La Paz
    transfer Note
    Cable car Mi Teleférico links the airport area with the city
  • name
    Viru Viru International Airport
    code
    VVI
    location
    Santa Cruz
    distance From Center
    17 km (11 mi) south of central Santa Cruz
    transfer Note
    Taxis and buses serve Bolivia's lowland hub
Getting around
overview
Bolivia combines intercity coaches, urban transit where available, and taxis; ride-hailing operates in major cities.
trains
  • name
    Empresa Ferroviaria Andina
    description
    Rail or intercity transport serving Bolivia.
    ticketing
    Buy tickets at stations, online, or terminal counters.
ferries
    subways
      public Transit
      • name
        Mi Teleférico
        kind
        public
        description
        La Paz cable car network.
        ticketing
        Use transit cards or pay at station gates.
      • name
        Trans Copacabana
        kind
        public
        description
        Intercity coaches across Bolivia.
        ticketing
        Pay at terminals or when boarding.
      ride Share
      • name
        Uber
        kind
        rideshare
        description
        Ride-hailing in Santa Cruz and La Paz.
        ticketing
        Book via Uber app.
      Currency
      code
      BOB
      name
      Bolivian boliviano
      symbol
      Bs.
      note
      Carry some bolivian boliviano in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

      Convert your travel budget ↗

      Visas & official entry links
      Local customs
      summary
      Bolivia is indigenous-majority, with strong Aymara and Quechua traditions alongside Catholic festivals. La Paz and Sucre differ in altitude and formality. Coca leaf chewing is cultural; other drug use is not.
      customs
      • Offerings to Pachamama occur in markets and festivals; observe quietly.
      • Tuesday and Friday are considered unlucky for some business starts locally.
      • Altiplano communities value modest dress and slower conversation pace.
      dos
      • Acclimate in La Paz before strenuous hikes; drink coca tea if advised.
      • Ask permission before photographing indigenous women in traditional dress.
      • Use registered taxis with radio dispatch in cities at night.
      • Carry small bills for markets, buses, and rural colectivos.
      • Dress warmly in layers; weather shifts fast on the altiplano.
      donts
      • Do not treat coca leaves as cocaine or joke about drug trafficking.
      • Do not photograph military or police installations.
      • Do not drink tap water without confirming filtration.
      • Do not ignore altitude sickness symptoms.
      • Do not haggle aggressively over tiny amounts in rural markets.
      Useful travel phrases
      language
      Spanish
      phrases
      • english
        Please
        local
        Por favor
        pronunciation
        por fah-BOR
      • english
        Thank you
        local
        Gracias
        pronunciation
        GRAH-syahs
      • english
        Yes
        local
        Sí
        pronunciation
        see
      • english
        No
        local
        No
        pronunciation
        noh
      • english
        How much?
        local
        ¿Cuánto cuesta?
        pronunciation
        KWAHN-toh KWES-ta
      • english
        Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
        local
        ¿Dónde está el restaurante o bar más cercano?
        pronunciation
        DOHN-deh es-TAH el res-tow-RAHN-teh oh bar mahs ther-KAH-no
      • english
        Where is the airport?
        local
        ¿Dónde está el aeropuerto?
        pronunciation
        DOHN-deh es-TAH eh-ay-ro-PWER-toh
      • english
        I need help
        local
        Necesito ayuda
        pronunciation
        neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah
      • english
        I need a hospital
        local
        Necesito un hospital
        pronunciation
        neh-seh-SEE-toh oon o-spee-TAHL
      • english
        Call the police
        local
        Llame a la policía
        pronunciation
        yah-MAH a la po-lee-SEE-ah
      Longer stays
      visa Summary
      U.S. citizens may obtain a visa on arrival or apply in advance for tourism stays; reciprocity rules have changed over time, so confirm whether a fee or prior visa applies before departure. Temporary residence is available through work, investment, or family categories processed by the Servicio General de Migración. Bolivian visa policy can shift with diplomatic agreements, so check the nearest consulate for current entry rules.

      Practical tips.

      • Ascend to La Paz gradually and drink coca tea if needed because altitude sickness is common above 11,000 feet.
      • Carry small boliviano notes for markets and minibuses because change is scarce and torn bills are often refused.
      • Book Uyuni salt-flat tours with operators that include proper cold-weather gear for overnight jeep stays.
      More travel tips ↗

      Locate Bolivia.

      Location map of Bolivia

      Before you go.

      Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Bolivia ↗